The Majestic Malacca

I cannot help but be awed by The Majestic Malacca the very first time I set eyes on it. Located at the banks of the Malacca River, the grand white building with green windows is a sight to behold. I felt as if I’ve been transported back in time. As a kid, I used to live in a wooden house with similar windows which creaked every time we pushed them – funny how such bits of memories hit you when triggered by something trivial like wooden windows. But of course the windows here at The Majestic Malacca are immaculately maintained.

Formerly a private residence, The Majestic Malacca houses the main mansion, built in the 1920’s. A new building has been added on, adapting the original architecture and now houses 52 spacious rooms, 2 suites and a Spa Village. Stepping into the cool interior through the stained glass entrance, the intricate Baba Nyonya tiles gracing the reception is a welcoming sight. Everything about the foyer, the bar, the lounge emanates an air of nostalgia, charm and elegance. The porcelain flooring, teakwood fittings, intricate artwork and antiques all enhance the serene beauty and appeal of The Majestic Malacca.

Much care and thought have been given to the décor, from the furniture to the walls and windows, to preserve the grace and beauty of a vintage era. The good people at YTL have done a great job to preserve the heritage of this lovely building.

We love the open concept of our room. The first thing that struck us was…wow… there’s a bath tub (and a vintage one, too, with claw feet!) right in the middle of the room! Then we realized that there’re actually sliding doors between the bathroom and the sleeping area – how cool! The four poster bed with cool white sheets looked so inviting that I felt like diving into it immediately.

But then that would be quite inappropriate considering that one of the staff was there as he accompanied us to our room, bearing a vintage teapot warmer. Yes, I have not seen this teapot warmer for the longest time! We used to have this back in Ipoh during my childhood and that’s like decades ago! So, instead of the usual cold juices most hotels welcome you with, we got served traditional Chinese tea from a very quaint and authentic Chinese teapot and teacups! Memories flooded my being as I gazed at the tea set before me, particularly that warmer and that teaopot with the plastic-encased metal handles.

The sumptuously-appointed room is equipped with all necessary modern amenities: a flat screen tv with satellite and music channels, a safe deposit box, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, writing desk and an IDD telephone. Oh, wi-fi too of course!

There’s a swimming pool and gym in the hotel, so exercise bunnies will be able to get their daily quotas done.

After checking our room, we made ourselves comfortable at The Lounge which is the area beyond the reception and covering the intimate setting of a private study on the side. We felt like we were having tea in someone’s house… it’s so cosy and warm. The furniture is reminiscent of the 1920-30’s, all very solid-looking in warm wooden hues. This is the perfect place for Afternoon Tea and that’s what we indulged in.

The Afternoon Tea menu features Nyonya pastries such as spring rolls, dumplings, curry puffs, dainty sandwiches and scones. The spring rolls were so good that we asked for more – we just had to say how many more and they appeared within a few minutes! Ahhh… we were thoroughly spoiled.

What’s Afternoon Tea without scones, right?

There’re a couple of huge glass jars of peanut candies on the side table for guests too. Throughout the Lounge and reception area, there are jars of goodies like sour plums, peas and sticky coconut candies for guests – such warm hospitality.

Positioned near the entrance of the hotel is The Bar. It’s the perfect place to relax and chill out with a round of drinks. The ambience there is so traditionally colonial. We had lunch there one day, lounging on the low wooden chairs. Service is extremely attentive.

Freshly-made Tomato Soup

Smoked Duck Salad

Caesar Salad with Salmon

Beef Burger with the works

Fish and Chips

We had a chance to learn from a Baba chef at a Culinary Class organized by the hotel. Guests can request and book ahead for this class. Chef Richard demonstrated a few popular Nyonya recipes: Chicken Pongteh, Pineapple and Prawns Assam Curry and Cincalok Omelette.

Pineapple and Prawns Assam Curry

Chicken Pongteh

For the adventurous and history buffs, the hotel also has a Heritage Walk with their resident historian who will take you off the beaten track to discover and appreciate the many historical buildings and sites that Melaka offers.

The Majestic Malacca is a great place to escape to for a quiet romantic stay. This elegant boutique hotel is located right in the town centre, so getting to your favourite food places around town is a breeze. Jonker Street is within walking distance. Its intimate and charming setting of an old traditional mansion makes one feel comfortably “at home” evoking nostalgia along the way! Service is very friendly, attentive and discreet.

The Majestic Malacca is listed on www.slh.com – Small Luxury Hotels of the World, a portfolio that covers more than 520 of the world’s finest hotels in more than 70 countries. Check this site out if you are looking to stay in hotels with exceptional experiences!